Ceramic and Inorganic Systems: Structure, Processing, and Performance

Ceramic and other inorganic materials are central to contemporary restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Their long-term performance is governed by the interaction between composition, microstructure, manufacturing history, surface characteristics, and the complex mechanical and chemical conditions of the oral environment. Although advances in glass ceramics, zirconia, bioactive glasses, dental cements, and related systems have expanded clinical options, challenges remain in controlling defects, improving reliability, managing aging and degradation, and establishing meaningful links between laboratory measurements and clinical outcomes. Further investigation is needed to clarify how material design and processing affect fracture resistance, bonding, biological response, and service life.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the design, processing, characterisation, and clinical translation of ceramic and inorganic dental materials. It will address how compositional and microstructural features affect mechanical, biological, chemical, and optical performance, as well as how fabrication strategies and surface treatments can improve reliability and functional integration. Contributions may also examine the mechanisms underlying failure, degradation, and performance changes under simulated or clinical conditions, helping to identify evidence-based approaches for developing safer, more durable, and more aesthetically effective dental restorations.To gather further insights into ceramic and inorganic materials used in restorative and prosthetic dentistry, this Research Topic will focus on investigations that connect material structure and processing with functional and clinical performance. This Research Topic welcomes research addressing, but not limited to the following themes:• Composition and microstructure of ceramic and inorganic dental materials• Processing, additive manufacturing, and sintering strategies• Surface modification, bonding, and interface engineering• Fracture, fatigue, wear, and damage tolerance• Aging, degradation, and behaviour in oral environments• Bioactivity, biocompatibility, and tissue interactions• Optical properties, aesthetics, and shade stability• Laboratory, preclinical, and clinical evaluation of restorative and prosthetic application Topic editors: Yuki Sugiura, BANG THI LE, Mariko Matsumoto Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85079/ceramic-and-inorganic-systems-structure-processing-and-performance